We regularly meet candidates who are familiar with the STAR method but don’t always use it effectively. We also occasionally find that some candidates think we’re talking about astronomy when STAR is mentioned! Whether you already know the method and want to sharpen your approach, or you’re hearing about it for the first time, keep reading to find out how STAR can help you deliver stronger interview answers.
What is STAR?
- Situation – Set the scene. Briefly explain the context of your example.
- Task – Describe your responsibility or what needed to be achieved.
- Action – Explain the specific steps you took (this is the most important part).
- Result – Share the outcome and what you learned.
Why is it used?
- The STAR method helps you turn real experiences into focused, professional answers.
- Instead of giving vague or rambling responses, STAR allows you to present your skills through practical examples.
- This shows employers exactly how you handle challenges, communicate, prioritise, and deliver results.
What is so good about it?
- The advantage of STAR is how reusable it is, you don’t need dozens of different examples.
- If you prepare one or two strong experiences in advance, you can adapt them to suit multiple questions.
- You can simply tweak the angle of your example to match what’s being asked.
What are some example questions?
Below are 4 example questions that our clients frequently ask during interviews. Some may be unexpected, as they’re designed to assess not just your experience, but your reactions and how you handle real-life situations.
1. Can you give an example of when you had to juggle competing priorities or deadlines? How did you decide what to focus on?
How to prepare:
- Interviewers aren’t just interested in whether you’ve been busy, with this question they want to understand how you manage your workload.
- Choose a specific example where multiple tasks were due around the same time.
- Break your answer down using the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result
Why this matters:
- This question is designed to assess your organisation, time management, and decision-making skills, as well as how you perform under pressure.
Example answer:
“I once faced multiple production line breakdowns at the same time. I quickly assessed which issues would stop production and prioritised fixing those first, while planning the less critical repairs for later. This approach got the line running promptly and minimised downtime.”
2. Tell us about a time you had to have a difficult or awkward conversation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
How to prepare:
- Pick an example where you handled a sensitive topic with tact.
- Explain how you prepared for the conversation and what steps you took to ensure it was constructive.
Why this matters:
- This question tests your communication and interpersonal skills. Especially diplomacy, empathy, and resilience.
Example answer:
“During a production line upgrade, I disagreed with a colleague on the best way to implement a new procedure. I approached it by calmly explaining my perspective, listening to theirs, and working together to combine the best ideas. This collaboration not only ensured the upgrade was completed smoothly but also strengthened our teamwork and improved the line’s efficiency..”
3. Tell us about a project or situation that caused you significant pressure or stress. How did you manage it, and what was the result?
How to prepare:
- Think of a time when pressure was high, perhaps a tight deadline or a challenging Task.
- Focus on the actions you took to cope, and what the outcome was.
Why this matters:
- Employers want to know not just that you can stay calm under pressure, but that you can remain productive and deliver results.
Example answer:
“I was involved in planning a project to upgrade the production line for greater efficiency and reliability, with a tight deadline to have it ready before peak production. The pressure came from coordinating tasks, anticipating potential breakdowns, and ensuring minimal disruption. I managed it by breaking the project into clear priorities, communicating closely with the team, and staying focused on key milestones. As a result, we completed the upgrades on time, improved line efficiency, and reduced the risk of future breakdowns.”
4. What is the biggest change you’ve experienced in a previous role, and how did you adapt?
How to prepare:
- Think of a change you’ve experienced at work and briefly explain the situation, what was required of you, the actions you took to adapt, and the result.
- Focus on practical steps such as learning new processes, supporting colleagues, or adjusting your working style.
- It’s easy to focus on a negative answer for this question, try to choose an example that shows initiative rather than resistance.
Why this matters:
- This question is designed to assess your adaptability and resilience.
- Employers want to understand how you respond to change.
Example answer:
“One of the biggest changes I faced in a previous role was when we upgraded the production line to make it more efficient and reliable. This required adapting to new equipment, new procedures, and coordinating with colleagues who had different ideas on how to approach the changes. I adapted by learning the new systems quickly, prioritising critical tasks during breakdowns, and collaborating closely with the team to combine the best approaches. As a result, the production line ran more smoothly, downtime was reduced, and we successfully met our project deadlines.”
Tips for Nailing These Questions
- Use examples from your experience, be honest and dont lie. While you may not remember the examples given, the interviewer may have a note of them and ask more questions at a later date.
- By focusing on one or two strong examples, you can shape your response to fit multiple questions without losing clarity.
Final Takeaway
Preparing for interview questions in advance can make a huge difference in both confidence and clarity. By selecting one or two strong examples from your experience, you can frame your answers around the question being asked, rather than scrambling for a new story each time. Using the STAR method, these examples can be adapted to a variety of scenarios, helping you respond thoughtfully and professionally. With a little preparation, you’ll feel more composed, focused, and ready to show your best self in any interview.
